United Party Deputy Communications Director Ebo Buckman has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its concerns about appointments to Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), accusing the party of applying double standards in its assessment of the electoral body’s neutrality.
Buckman questioned the NPP’s position on the credibility of the EC, arguing that the appointment of individuals perceived to have partisan affiliations raises legitimate concerns about the commission’s ability to maintain political neutrality.
“NPP members have turned into liars and witches; we cannot have known NPP people occupying EC positions and still be talking about neutrality,” Buckman said.
His comments come amid debate over the composition of the Electoral Commission and the role of political affiliations in appointments to institutions responsible for overseeing elections.
The EC is a key institution in Ghana’s democratic system, with responsibility for organising and supervising public elections and referenda. Its independence and credibility are central to public confidence in electoral outcomes, making appointments to the commission a subject of political and public interest.
Buckman’s remarks suggest that he believes the NPP’s objections to appointments should be considered alongside the party’s own record and its position on individuals with alleged links to political parties serving within the electoral administration.
The controversy reflects a broader debate in Ghana about how electoral officials are selected, what standards should apply to their political affiliations and how the public can be assured that electoral decisions are made impartially.
While political parties are entitled to raise concerns about the composition and conduct of the EC, such claims are often contested by their political opponents. Establishing whether an appointment compromises neutrality requires evidence about the individual’s role, the applicable appointment rules and the safeguards in place to protect the commission’s independence.
Buckman’s criticism adds to the political exchanges surrounding the EC, with the question of institutional trust remaining important to discussions about electoral integrity.
The specific appointments that prompted Buckman’s comments, as well as the detailed allegations he made against the NPP, were not provided in the information available for this report. His remarks therefore represent his criticism of the party’s position and should not be treated as independent proof that any particular EC official is politically compromised.
Source: Thepressradio.com
